Library: Frequently asked questions

IMechE members and reciprocal borrowers (IET, ICE, IStructE, Energy Institute, IOM3, TWI) based in Europe can borrow items from our collection.

IMechE members can request books by reserving them in our online catalogue, by emailing us at library@imeche.org or calling us on +44 (0)20 7973 1274. Other borrowers can request items by email or telephone.

We will post the items to you for free or you may collect them.

Each borrower can borrow up to six books at a time. The loan period is usually three weeks, with up to four three-week renewals possible, provided nobody else reserves the book/s.

You can renew your books by signing into your account in our online catalogue or by contacting us at library@imeche.org or tel:+44 (0)20 7973 1274.

All items must be returned to:

The Library
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
1 Birdcage Walk
London
SW1H 9JJ

Please post them first class from within the UK, or airmail from elsewhere, unless the loan slip says Special Delivery is required.

The Library Search  searches across our online databases. You will need your IMechE login to click through to full text articles or books.

Alternatively you can scroll down our search page for direct links to individual titles and databases.

Where can I find out about apprenticeship schemes?

See our apprenticeships page and our list of useful apprenticeship weblinks.

How do I access and use the archive collections?

Visit our archive for information about our collections and how to access them. Also read this guide to using archives and historical collections. Discover what archives are, how to use catalogues and access collections.

How can I find out about setting up my own business?

Our library has a range of resources to help you. Search our library and digital resources.

The following websites also offer useful information and advice:

• British Library Business & IP Centre
• Government business support helpline
• Government guidance on starting a business
• LEP Network Growth Hubs
• National Enterprise Network directory (listing local support services for start-ups)

How can I find company information?

See the company information section of our careers guide.

Where can I get my car repaired or tested? / Where can I get expert advice on mechanical failure or technical problems with my car?

The following organisations may be able to help:

• Citizens advice - Garage repairs and services
• Independent Garage Association
• AA car inspections
• Institute of Automotive Engineer Assessors

Where can I get careers advice?

Where can I access the Institution’s Code of Conduct?

View our Code of Conduct.

Where can I find a list of engineering companies?

See the  company information section of our careers guide.

What guidance is available on becoming a consultant?

Our library has a range of resources to help you. Search the library.

Standard contracts for engineering consultants are available:

• MF/4 (2003): Home or overseas agreements for the provision of consultancy services by engineering consultants. Standard contract published jointly by the Institution and IET. Free to download
• Commentary on MF/4 (including a copy of MF/4): A practical guide for users of MF/4 (2004 edition): Available to purchase from the library for £20
•  ACE  (Association for Consultancy and Engineering) agreements are available to borrow from our library

The IMechE Support Network offers Institution members access to a free employment coaching service which includes advice on becoming self-employed.

The following websites also offer useful information and advice:

• British Library Business & IP Centre
• Government business support helpline
• Government guidance on starting a business
• LEP Network Growth Hubs
• National Enterprise Network directory (listing local support services for start-ups)

You may want to consider a listing in searchable online directories:

• Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE)
• The Chartered Consultant database
• Expert Witness Institute directory
• Academy of Experts directory

What are the main forms for engineering contracts?

Model Forms of Contract

For more information please our library's Model Forms webpage.

The other main forms of engineering contract are:

• ACE Consultancy Agreements
• FIDIC: Contracts and Agreements
• IChemE
• JCT
• NEC

Where can I find out about the standard rates to charge for mechanical engineering services or products?

• BEAMA Statistics

• National Schedule of Rates produced by NRS Management.
  This is a priced publication which is not available from our library but may be available to members via interlibrary loan. Our library does hold a reference copy of Spon's Mechanical and Electrical Services Price Book.

I am in dispute with my employer. Where can I find out about my employment rights?

Where can I find statistics about energy use and emissions?

Where can I find statistical information about the number of engineers in the UK, and the number of engineering students and graduates in the UK?

Statistics are available from the following websites:

• Engineering UK - publishes a major report each year containing engineering statistics related to education, graduate recruitment, salary levels, and the number of professional engineers in the UK. It can be downloaded for free, although free registration is required to access the current year's report.
• National Statistics - data relating to employees, self-employed, full-time and part-time workers by occupation group and by sex - search for Labour Force Survey and ASHE 4 digit.
• Higher Education Statistics Authority
• UCAS: Statistics
• What do graduates do?

How do I find an expert witness?

Where can I obtain engineering images?

Images from our historical collection can be purchased from the Mary Evans Picture Library and are available to view on our VADS pages.

If you are seeking modern images (or other sources of historical ones) you may find the following image sites useful:

• Google advanced image search
• IStockphoto - royalty-free images and photos
• StockFreeImages - royalty-free photos and illustrations
• Science and Society Picture Library.

How can I find someone to test or inspect my equipment?

• UKAS - United Kingdom Accreditation Service for testing bodies maintain a directory on their website.
• Test House Directory is a directory of testing service and equipment suppliers published by the Society of Environmental Engineers.
• The UK's National Measurement Institutes (NMIs) provide information and advice on measurement and testing.

Where can I get advice about protecting and developing my invention?

The following organisations can provide advice:

British Library Business & IP Centre

Trevor Baylis Brands (formerly the British Academy of Inventors)

The National Enterprise Network

Organisations that can help with funding:

British Private Equity and Venture Capitalists Association

Innovate UK

Useful websites:

UK Intellectual Property Office

Dragons Den

Espacenet (free international patent database)

Where can I get free legal advice?

The IMechE Support Network offers Institution members access to a free legal helpline.

How can I get hold of a copy of a UK Directive?

The official revised edition of the primary legislation of the UK as well as all UK Statutory Instruments from 1987 are available to download.

How can I get hold of a copy of an EU Directive?

EU Directives are available for download. 

Where can I find up-to-date manufacturing statistics for the UK and EU?

The following websites provide manufacturing statistics for the UK:

• National Statistics - search for Turnover and Orders in Production and Services Industries and PRODCOM

• Eurostat: PRODucts of the European COMmunity (PRODCOM) - data for the EU

• Manufacturing Outlook -  a quarterly manufacturing industry survey produced by Make UK: The Manufacturers' Organisation" (Engineering Employers Federation).

How can I find out about the mechanical properties of a particular material?

• The Knovel data search is available to our members online. It allows you to find specific types of properties data for materials and substances with on-the-fly unit conversion.
• Members can also use McGraw-Hill’s DataVis tool to visually explore materials and their properties.
• You can also find material properties data in the full-text resources by using the Library Search.

Where can I obtain copies of the Institution's Presidential Addresses?

How can I benchmark my salary?

See the salaries section of our careers guide.

Which charities organise voluntary work for engineers?

See the volunteering section of our careers guide.